Penrith Panthers have parted company with coach Ivan Cleary.
Cleary had overseen an upturn in the club’s fortunes since taking over in 2012, taking the club to the Preliminary Final in 2014 after a number of underwhelming seasons. However, the Panthers endured a testing campaign in 2015, only just avoiding the wooden spoon after a final-round victory.
Before this season, Cleary had, in the most part, enjoyed plenty of success. He took New Zealand Warriors to only their second ever Grand Final appearance in 2011 before moving to Penrith after being persuading by their Executive General Manager Phil Gould. However, Cleary has now been show the exit door by the same man following discussions between the pair.
The Panthers announced Cleary’s departure in an official statement.
“Gould today met with coach Ivan Cleary and informed him the club has terminated the final year of his contract, effective immediately.” the statement read.